While blackjack might seem intimidating to newbies, the game is logical, especially if you make use of a blackjack cheat sheet to increase your winnings.
Blackjack is one of the casino classics, but its fast pace may put off some gambling newbies who are used to playing slots and video games. However, once you master the basics, the game quickly sinks in and is enjoyed. And, if you are looking for winning tips, here’s the list of a few blackjack cheat sheet hints to help you pocket a large win:
The Blackjack Cheat Sheet
Figuring out when to “hit” and “stay” involves complex math, and, for many players, it takes the fun out of the game. Fortunately, there’s a handy blackjack cheat sheet to help you figure out what your next move should be based on your existing hand’s total:
- Generally, if you have a total of 11 or less, you should hit.
- If your total is 12, you should hit if the dealer has a two or three. Alternatively, stay if the dealer’s card is higher than six.
- If your total is between 13 and 16, and the dealer has seven or higher, you should hit. However, you should stay if the dealer reveals six or less when your total is between 13 and 16.
- As soon as your total reaches 17 or higher, you should stay.
How to Play Aces in Blackjack
These rules come into play more often when you have an ace in your hand. So, to break it down and give you some guidance, here’s a cheat sheet you can use if you have an ace:
- If you have two aces, always split them.
- If you have an ace along with a two or three, you should double down if the dealer reveals a five or a six. If the dealer has anything other than those two numbers, it’s best to hit.
- There’s a similar rule if your hand comprises an ace alongside a four or a five. If the dealer shows a four, five, or six, you should double down, but if they show anything else, your best bet is to hit.
- If you have a six and an ace and your dealer shows a three, four, five, or six, it would be best to double down. Alternatively, you should hit when the dealer has either a two or anything above six.
- If your ace is accompanied by a seven, you should double down if the dealer has anything between a three and a six. If the dealer shows a two, seven, or eight, you should stay, and if they have anything higher than an eight, it’s best to hit.
- If you have an ace and an eight or higher, always stay. The dream hand is an ace and either a face card or a ten.
How to Play Pairs in Blackjack
Many players get excited when they’re dealt a two-of-a-kind and often choose to split the pair, which isn’t always the best choice. Here’s a helpful guide for blackjack pairs:
- Splitting is the best option if you have a pair of twos or threes and the dealer reveals anything between four and seven. If your dealer shows a two, three, or anything higher than seven, it’s better to hit instead.
- If you’re dealt a pair of fours, never split, regardless of what the dealer shows.
- It’s not a good idea to split a pair of fives. If the dealer shows a nine or lower, you should double down, but if the dealer’s face-up card is a ten or higher, you should hit instead.
- Splitting is advisable if you have a pair of sixes and the dealer shows any card between three and six. If the dealer has anything else, it’s better to hit.
- When you have a pair of sevens, you should split if the dealer shows a seven or lower. If the dealer shows a card higher than seven, you should hit.
- If you’re dealt a pair of eights, always split.
- A pair of nines is a bit complex. You should split if the dealer shows anything between two and eight, excluding seven. However, it’s best to stay if the dealer has a seven, nine, or higher.
- If you’re dealt a pair with a value of ten (tens, jacks, queens, or kings), always stay because you’re so close to 21 that it would be unlikely for the dealer to win.
